Amino-substituted pyrimidines, derivatives and methods of use therefor

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation end products of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

The present application is a continuation-in-part of copendingapplication Ser. No. 07/220,504, filed Jul. 18, 1989, now abandonedwhich is a division of U.S. Ser. No. 798,032, filed Nov. 14, 1985 andnow U.S. Pat. No. 4,758,583, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Ser. No. 590,820, filed Mar. 19, 1984 and now U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,192.Applicants claim the benefits of these Applications under 35 U.S.C.§120.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

The Applicants are co-authors of the following articles directed to thesubject matter of the present invention: "COVALENT ATTACHMENT OF SOLUBLEPROTEINS BY NONENZYMATICALLY GLYCOSYLATED COLLAGEN: ROLE IN THE IN SITUFORMATION OF IMMUNE COMPLEXES", Brownlee et al., J. Exp. Med., 158, pp.1730-1744 (1983); and "AGING OF PROTEINS: ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATIONOF FLUORESCENT CHROMOPHORE FROM THE REACTION OF POLYPEPTIDES WITHGLUCOSE", Pongor et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 81, pp. 2684-2688,(1984), and "ADVANCED GLYCOSYLATION ENDPRODUCTS IN TISSUE AND THEBIOCHEMICAL BASIS OF DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS", Brownlee et al., The NewEng. J. of Med., 318, pp. 1315-1321 (1988). All of the abovepublications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the aging of proteinsresulting from their reaction with glucose and other reducing sugars,and more particularly to the inhibition of the reaction ofnonenzymatically glycosylated proteins and the often resultant formationof advanced glycosylation endproducts and cross-links.

The reaction between glucose and proteins has been known for some time.Its earliest manifestation was in the appearance of brown pigmentsduring the cooking of food, which was identified by Maillard in 1912,who observed that glucose or other reducing sugars react with aminoacids to form adducts that undergo a series of dehydrations andrearrangements to form stable brown pigments. Maillard, C.R. Acad. Sci.,154. pp. 66-68, (1912). Further studies have suggested that stored andheat treated foods undergo nonenzymatic browning as a result of thereaction between glucose and the polypeptide chain, and that theproteins are resultingly cross-linked and correspondingly exhibitdecreased bioavailability.

This reaction between reducing sugars and food proteins was found tohave its parallel in vivo. Thus, the nonenzymatic reaction betweenglucose and the free amino groups on proteins to form a stable,1-deoxyketosyl adduct, known as the Amadori product, has been shown tooccur with hemoglobin, wherein a rearrangement of the amino terminal ofthe beta-chain of hemoglobin by reaction with glucose, forms the adductknown as hemoglobin A_(1c). The reaction has also been found to occurwith a variety of other body proteins, such as lens crystallins, collageand nerve proteins. See, Bunn et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm., 67,pp. 103-109 (1975); Koenig et al., J. Biol. Chem., 252, pp. 2992-2997(1977); Monnier et al., in Maillard Reaction in Food and Nutrition, ed.Waller, G. A., American Chemical Society, 215, pp.431-448 (1983); andMonnier and Cerami, Clinics in Endocrinology and Metabolism, 11, pp.431-452 (1982).

Moreover, brown pigments with spectral and fluorescent propertiessimilar to those of late-stage Maillard products have also been observedin vivo in association with several long-lived proteins, such as lensproteins and collagen from aged individuals. An age-related linearincrease in pigment was observed in human dura collagen between the agesof 20 to 90 years. See, Monnier et al., Science, 211, pp. 491-493(1981); Monnier et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta, 760, pp. 97-103 (1983);and, Monnier et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 81. pp. 583-587 (1984).Interestingly, the aging of collagen can be mimicked in vitro by thecross-linking induced by glucose; and the capture of other proteins andthe formation of adducts by collagen, also noted, is theorized to occurby a cross-linking reaction, and is believed to account for the observedaccumulation of albumin and antibodies in kidney basement membrane. See,Brownlee et al, J. Exp. Med., 158, pp. 1739-1744 (1983); and Kohn etal., Diabetes, 33, No. 1, pp. 57-59 (1984).

In Parent application Ser. No. 798,032, a method and associated agentswere disclosed that served to inhibit the formation of advancedglycosylation endproducts by reacting with the early glycosylationproduct that results from the original reaction between the targetprotein and glucose. Accordingly, inhibition was postulated to takeplace as the reaction between the inhibitor and the early glycosylationproduct appeared to interrupt the subsequent reaction of theglycosylated protein with additional protein material to form thecross-linked late stage product. One of the agents identified as aninhibitor was aminoguanidine, and the results of further testing haveborne out its efficacy in this regard.

While the success that has been achieved with aminoguanidine and similarcompounds is promising, a need continues to exist to identify anddevelop additional inhibitors that broaden the availability and perhapsthe scope of this potential activity and its diagnostic and therapeuticutility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a method and compositions aredisclosed for the inhibition of the advanced glycosylation of proteins(protein aging). In particular, the compositions comprise agents forinhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging) due to theformation of advanced glycosylation endproducts. The agents may beselected from those materials capable of reacting with the earlyglycosylation product from the reaction of glucose with proteins andpreventing further reactions. Cross-linking caused by other reactivesugars present in vivo or in foodstuffs, including ribose, galactose andfructose would also be prevented by the methods and compositions of thepresent invention.

The agents comprise compounds having the following structural formula:##STR1## wherein

Z is N or CH--;

X, Y and Q are each independently a hydrogen, amino, heterocyclo, aminolower alkyl, lower alkyl or hydroxy group;

and R is hydrogen or an amino group;

and their corresponding 3-oxides; and their biocompatible andpharmaceutically acceptable salts and mixtures thereof, and a carriertherefor.

The compounds utilized in the compositions of this invention appear toreact with the early glycosylation product thereby preventing the samefrom later forming the advanced glycosylation end products which lead toprotein cross-links, and thereby, to protein aging.

The present invention also relates to a method for inhibiting proteinaging by contacting the initially glycosylated protein at the stage ofthe early glycosylation product with a quantity of one or more of theagents of the present invention, or a composition containing the same.In the instance where the present method has industrial application, oneor more of the agents may be applied to the proteins in question, eitherby introduction into a mixture of the same in the instance of a proteinextract, or by application or introduction into foodstuffs containingthe protein or proteins, all to prevent premature aging and spoilage ofthe particular foodstuffs.

The ability to inhibit the formation of advanced glycosylationendproducts carries with it significant implications in all applicationswhere protein aging is a serious detriment. Thus, in the area of foodtechnology, the retardation of food spoilage would confer an obviouseconomic and social benefit by making certain foods of marginalstability less perishable and therefore more available for consumers.Spoilage would be reduced as would the expense of inspection, removal,and replacement, and the extended availability of the foods could aid instabilizing their price in the marketplace. Similarly, in otherindustrial applications where the perishability of proteins is aproblem, the admixture of the agents of the present invention incompositions containing such proteins would facilitate the extendeduseful life of the same. Presently used food preservatives anddiscoloration preventatives such as sulfur dioxide, known to causetoxicity including allergy and asthma in animals, can be replaced withcompounds such as those described herein.

The present method has particular therapeutic application as theMaillard process acutely affects several of the significant proteinmasses in the body, among them collagen, elastin, lens proteins, and thekidney glomerular basement membranes. These proteins deteriorate bothwith age (hence the application of the term "protein aging") and aconsequence of diabetes. Accordingly, the ability to either retard orsubstantially inhibit the formation of advanced glycosylationendproducts carries the promise of treatment for diabetes and of course,improving the quality and, perhaps, duration of animal life.

The present agents are also useful in the area of personal appearanceand hygiene, as they prevent the staining of teeth by cationicanti-microbial agents with anti-plaque properties, such aschlorhexidine.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide a method for inhibiting the extensive cross-linking of proteinsthat occurs as an ultimate consequence of the reaction of the proteinswith glucose and other reactive sugars, by correspondingly inhibitingthe formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method asaforesaid which is characterized by a reaction with an initiallyglycosylated protein identified as an early glycosylation product.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method asaforesaid which prevents the rearrangement and cross-linking of the saidearly glycosylation products to form the said advanced glycosylationendproducts.

It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide agentscapable of participating in the reaction with the said earlyglycosylation products in the method as aforesaid.

It is a still further object of the present invention to providetherapeutic methods of treating the adverse consequences of proteinaging by resort to the aforesaid method and agents.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide amethod of inhibiting the discoloration of teeth by resort to theaforesaid method and agents.

It is a still further object of the present invention to providecompositions including pharmaceutical compositions, all incorporatingthe agents of the present invention.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled inthe art from a consideration of the ensuing description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In accordance with the present invention, agents, compositions includingpharmaceutical compositions containing said agents and associatedmethods have been developed which are believed to inhibit the formationof advanced glycosylation endproducts in a number of target proteinsexisting in both animals and plant material. In particular, theinvention relates to a composition which may contain one or more agentscomprising compounds having the structural formula ##STR2## wherein

Z is N or CH--;

X, Y and Q are each independently a hydrogen, amino, heterocyclo, aminolower alkyl, lower alkyl or hydroxy group;

and R is hydrogen or an amino group;

and their corresponding 3-oxides; an their biocompatible andpharmaceutically acceptable salts and mixtures thereof, and a carriertherefor.

The compounds of Formula I wherein the X, Y or Q substituent is on anitrogen of the ring exist as tautomers, i.e., 2-hydroxypyrimidine canexist also as 2(1H)-pyrimidine. Both forms are intended to beencompassed by this invention.

The lower alkyl groups referred to herein contain 1-6 carbon atoms andinclude methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, and thecorresponding branched chain isomers thereof. The heterocycylic groupsreferred to herein contain from 3-6 carbon atoms and are exemplified bygroups such as pyrrolidinyl, 2-methylpyrrolidinyl, piperidinol,2-methylpiperidino morpholino, and hexamethyleneamino.

The "floating" X, Y, Q and NHR bonds in Formula I indicate that thesevariants can be attached to the ring structure at any available carbonjuncture. The hydroxy variant of X, Y and Q can also be present on anitrogen atom.

Of the compounds encompassed by Formula I, certain combinations ofsubstituents are preferred. For instance, compounds having R ashydrogen, as a CH group, and at least one of X, Y or Q as another aminogroup, are preferred. The group of compounds where R is hydrogen, Z is aCH group and one of X or Y is an amino lower alkyl group are alsopreferred. Another preferred group of compounds is those where R ishydrogen and Z is N (nitrogen). Certain substitution patterns arepreferred, i.e., the 6-position (IUPAC numbering, Z═CH) is preferablysubstituted, and most preferably by an amino or a nitro containinggroup. Also preferred are compounds where two or more of X, Y and Q areother than hydrogen.

Representative compounds of the present invention are:

2-hydrazino-4-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidine;

4,5-diaminopyrimidine;

4-amino-5-aminomethyl-2-methylpyrimidine;

6-(piperidino)-2,4-diaminopyrimidine 3-oxide;

3-amino-6-methyl-1,2,4-triazin-5(2H)-one;

4,6-diaminopyrimidine;

4,5,6-triaminopyrimidine;

4,5-diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine;

2,4,5-triamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine;

5,6-diamino-2,4-dihyroxypyrimidine;

2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine;

4,5-diamino-2-methylpyrimidine;

4,5-diamino-2,6-dimethylpyrimidine;

4,5-diamino-2-hydroxy-pyrimidine;

4,5-diamino-2-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidine;

2-hydrazinopyrimidine;

4,6-dimethyl-2-hydrazinopyrimidine;

3-hydrazino-1,2,4-triazine;

3-hydrazino-5-hydroxy-1,2,4-triazine;

5-hydrazino-3-hydroxy-1,2,4-triazine; and

5,6-diamino-3-hydroxy-1,2,4-triazine.

The above compounds are capable of inhibiting the formation of advancedglycosylation endproducts on target proteins. The cross-linking of theprotein to form the advanced glycosylation endproduct contributes to theentrapment of other proteins and results in the development in vivo ofconditions such as reduced elasticity and wrinkling of the skin, certainkidney diseases, atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis and the like.Similarly, plant material that undergoes nonenzymatic browningdeteriorates and, in the case of foodstuffs, become spoiled or toughenedand, consequently, inedible. Thus, the compounds employed in accordancewith this invention inhibit this late stage Maillard effect andintervene in the deleterious changes described above.

The rationale of the present invention is to use agents which block thepost-glycosylation step, i.e., the formation of fluorescent chromophoressuch as that identified in Pongor, et al., suora and Farmar et al.,supra, among others, the presence of which chromophores is associatedwith, and leads to adverse sequelae of diabetes and aging. An idealagent would prevent the formation of the chromophore and its associatecross-links of proteins to proteins and trapping of proteins on theother proteins, such as occurs in arteries and in the kidney.

The chemical nature of the early glycosylation products with which thecompounds of the present invention are believed to react, isspeculative. Early glycosylation products with carbonyl moieties thatare involved in the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts, andthat may be blocked by reaction with the compounds of the presentinvention, have been postulated. In one case, the reactive carbonylmoieties of Amadori products or their further condensation, dehydrationand/or rearrangement products, may condense to form advancedglycosylation endproducts. Another proposed mechanism is the formationof reactive carbonyl compounds, containing one or more carbonyl moieties(such as glycolaldehyde, glyceraldehyde or 3-deoxyglucosone) from thecleavage of Amadori or other early glycosylation endproducts (see, forexample, Gottschalk, A. (1972) in The Glycoproteins (Gottschalk, A., ed)Part A, pp. 141-157, Elsevier Publishing Co., New York; Reynolds, T. M.(1965) Adv. Food Res., 14. pp. 167-283), and by subsequent reactionswith an amine or Amadori product to form carbonyl containing advancedglycosylation products such as the alkylformylglycosylpyrroles describedby Farmar et al, supra.

Several investigators have studied the mechanism of advancedglycosylation product formation. In vitro studies by Eble et al.,(1983), "Nonenzymatic Glucosylation and Glucose-dependent Cross-linkingof Protein", J. Biol. Chem., 258:9406-9412, concerned the cross-linkingof glycosylated protein with nonglycosylated protein in the absence ofglucose. Eble et al. sought to elucidate the mechanism of the Maillardreaction and accordingly conducted controlled initial glycosylation ofRNAase as a model system, which was then examined under varyingconditions. In one aspect, the glycosylated protein material wasisolated and placed in a glucose-free environment and thereby observedto determine the extent of cross-linking.

Eble et al. thereby observed that cross-linking continued to occur notonly with the glycosylated protein but with non-glycosylated proteins aswell. One of the observations noted by Eble et al. was that the reactionbetween glycosylated protein and the protein material appeared to occurat the location on the protein chain of the amino acid lysine.Confirmatory experimentation conducted by Eble et al. in this connectiondemonstrated that free lysine would compete with the lysine on RNAasefor the binding of glycosylated protein. Thus, it might be inferred fromthese data that lysine may serve as an inhibitor of advancedglycosylation; however, this conclusion and the underlying observationsleading to it should be taken in the relatively limited context of themodel system prepared and examined by Eble et al. Clearly, Eble et al.does not appreciate, nor is there a suggestion therein, of thediscoveries that underlie the present invention, with respect to theinhibition of advanced glycosylation of proteins both in vitro and invivo.

The experiments of Eble et al. do not suggest the reactive cleavageproduct mechanism or any other mechanism in the in vivo formation ofadvanced glycosylation endproducts in which glucose is always present.In fact, other investigators support this mechanism to explain theformation of advanced glycosylated endproducts in vivo (see for exampleHayase et al, 1989, supra: Sell and Monnier, 1989, supra; Oimomi et al ,Agric. Biol. Chem., 53(6):1727-1728 (1989); and Diabetes Research andClinical Practice, 6:311-313 (1989). Accordingly, the use of lysine asan inhibitor in the Eble et al. model system has no bearing upon theutility of the compounds of the present invention in the inhibition ofadvanced glycosylated endproducts formation in the presence of glucosein vivo, and the amelioration of complications of diabetes and aging.

The compositions useful in the present invention comprise or containagents capable of reacting with the active carbonyl intermediate of anearly glycosylation product. Suitable agents are the compounds ofFormula I of the present invention.

The present invention likewise relates to methods for inhibiting theformation of advanced glycosylation endproducts, which comprisecontacting the target proteins with a composition of the presentinvention. In the instance where the target proteins are contained infoodstuffs, whether of plant or animal origin, these foodstuffs couldhave applied to them by various conventional means a compositioncontaining the present agents.

In the food industry, sulfites were found years ago to inhibit theMaillard reaction and are commonly used in processed and stored foods.Recently, however, sulfites in food have been implicated in severe andeven fatal reactions in asthmatics. As a consequence, the sulfitetreatment of fresh fruits and vegetables has been banned. The mechanismfor the allergic reaction is not known.

Accordingly, the present compositions and agents offer a nontoxicalternative to sulfites in the treatment of foods in this manner.

As is apparent from a discussion of the environment of the presentinvention, the present methods and compositions hold the promise forarresting the aging of key proteins both in animals and plants, andconcomitantly, conferring both economic and medical benefits as a resultthereof. In the instance of foodstuffs, the administration of thepresent composition holds the promise for retarding food spoilagethereby making foodstuffs of increased shelf life and greateravailability to consumers. Replacement of currently-used preservatives,such as sulfur dioxide known to cause allergies and asthma in humans,with non-toxic, biocompatible compounds is a further advantage of thepresent invention.

The therapeutic implications of the present invention relate to thearrest of the aging process which has, as indicated earlier, beenidentified in the aging of key proteins by advanced glycosylation andcross-linking. Thus, body proteins, and particularly structural bodyproteins, such as collagen, elastin, lens proteins, nerve proteins,kidney glomerular basement membranes and other extravascular matrixcomponents would all benefit in their longevity and operation from thepractice of the present invention. The present invention thus reducesthe incidence of pathologies involving the entrapment of proteins bycross-linked target proteins, such as retinopathy, cataracts, diabetickidney disease, glomerulosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease,arteriosclerosis obliterans, peripheral neuropathy, stroke,hypertension, atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, periarticular rigidity,loss of elasticity and wrinkling of skin, stiffening of joints,glomerulonephritis, etc. Likewise, all of these conditions are inevidence in patients afflicted with diabetes mellitus. Thus, the presenttherapeutic method is relevant to treatment of the noted conditions inpatients either of advanced age or those suffering from one of thementioned pathologies.

Protein cross-linking through advanced glycosylation product formationcan decrease solubility of structural proteins such as collagen invessel walls (see Brownlee et al., Science. 232, pp. 1629-1632, (1986)),and can also trap serum proteins, such as lipoproteins to the collagen.Also, this may result in increased permeability of the endothelium andconsequently covalent trapping of extravasated plasma proteins insubendothelial matrix, and reduction in susceptibility of both plasmaand matrix proteins to physiologic

degradation by enzymes. (See Brownlee et al., Diabetes. 35, Suppl. 1, p.42A (1986)). For these reasons, the progressive occlusion of diabeticvessels induced by chronic hyperglycemia has been hypothesized to resultfrom excessive formation of glucose-derived cross-links. Such diabeticmacrovascular changes and microvascular occlusion can be effectivelyprevented by chemical inhibition of advanced glycosylation productformation utilizing a composition and the methods of the presentinvention.

Studies indicate that the development of chronic diabetic damage intarget organs is primarily linked to hyperglycemia so that tightmetabolic control would delay or even prevent end-organ damage. SeeNicholls et al., Lab. Invest., 60, No. 4, p. 486 (1989), which discussesthe effects of islet isografting and aminoguanidine in murine diabeticnephropathy. These studies further evidence that aminoguanidinediminishes aortic wall protein cross-linking in diabetic rats andconfirm earlier studies by Brownlee et al., Science, 232, pp. 1629-1632(1986) to this additional target organ of complication of diabetes.Also, an additional study showed the reduction of immunoglobulintrapping in the kidney by aminoguanidine (Brownlee et al., Diabetes, 35,Suppl. 1, p. 42A (1986)).

Further evidence in the streptozotocin-diabetic rat model thataminoguanidine administration intervenes in the development of diabeticnephropathy was presented by Brownlee et al., 1988, supra, with regardto morphologic changes in the kidney which are hallmarks of diabeticrenal disease. These investigators reported that the increasedglomerular basement membrane thickness, a major structural abnormalitycharacteristic of diabetic renal disease, was prevented withaminoguanidine.

Taken together, these data strongly suggest that inhibition of theformation of advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGEs), by the teachingof the present invention, may prevent late, as well as early, structurallesions due to diabetes, as well as changes during aging caused by theformation of AGE's.

Diabetes-induced changes in the deformability of red blood cells,leading to more rigid cell membranes, is another manifestation ofcross-linking and aminoguanidine has been shown to prevent it in vivo.In such studies, New Zealand White rabbits, with induced, long-termdiabetes are used to study the effects of a test compound on red bloodcell (RBC) deformability (df). The test compound is administered at arate of 100 mg/kg by oral gavage to diabetic rabbits (Brown et al.,Presentation of Abstract for Association for Academic MinorityPhysicians, Annual Scientific Meeting (1989)).

Increased cross-linking of collagen in diabetic rats has shown to beprevented by aminoguanidine. Oxlund and Andreassen, "The increase inbiochemical and biomechanical stability of collagen in diabetic rats isprevented by aminoguanidine treatment", European Association for theStudy of Diabetes, Twenty-fifth Annual Meeting, p. 525A, Abstract No.371, 1989 showed the effect when thermal stability of tendon fibers wasassessed by breaking time in a urea bath, as well as mechanicalstrength. Soulis et al., "Aminoguanidine reduces tissue fluorescence butnot albuminuria in diabetic rats". NIH Conference on the MaillardReaction in Aging, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Bethesda, Maryland, Sep.22-23, 1988, page 30) showed the same effect on collagen in the aorta,measured by fluorescence and solubility.

Giambione and Brownlee, "Aminoguanidine Treatment Normalizes IncreasedSteady-state Levels of Laminin Bl mRNA in Kidneys of Long-termStreptozotocin-diabetic Rats" Diabetes, 38, Supplement 2:83A Forty-ninthAnnual Meeting, American Diabetes Association (1989) showed thataminoguanidine treatment to diabetic rats prevents the diabetes-inducedincrease in laminin B₁ mRNA in the kidney. This indicates thataminoguanidine may prevent overproduction of matrix, which leads tobasement membrane thickening and morphologic and functionaldeterioration of vasculature in kidneys and other organs.

A further consequence of diabetes is the hyperglycemia-induced matrixbone differentiation resulting in decreased bone formation usuallyassociated with chronic diabetes. In animal models, diabetes reducesmatrix-induced bone differentiation by 70% (Am. J. Phys., 238 (1980)).

In the instance where the compositions of the present invention areutilized for in vivo or therapeutic purposes, it may be noted that thecompounds or agents used therein are biocompatible. Pharmaceuticalcompositions may be prepared with a therapeutically effective quantityof the agents or compounds of the present invention and may include apharmaceutically acceptable carrier, selected from known materialsutilized for this purpose. Such compositions may be prepared in avariety of forms, depending on the method of administration. Also,various pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts of the compounds ofFormula I may be utilized.

A liquid form would be utilized in the instance where administration isby intravenous, intramuscular or intraperitoneal injection. Whenappropriate, solid dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, or liquiddosage formulations such as solutions and suspensions, etc., may beprepared for oral administration. For topical or dermal application tothe skin or eye, a solution, a lotion or ointment may be formulated withthe agent in a suitable vehicle such as water, ethanol, propyleneglycol, perhaps including a carrier to aid in penetration into the skinor eye. For example, a topical preparation could include up to about 10%of the compound of Formula I. Other suitable forms for administration toother body tissues are also contemplated.

In the instance where the present method has therapeutic application,the animal host intended for treatment may have administered to it aquantity of one or more of the agents, in a suitable pharmaceuticalform. Administration may be accomplished by known techniques, such asoral, topical and parenteral techniques such as intradermal,subcutaneous, intravenous or intraperitoneal injection, as well as byother conventional means. Administration of the agents may take placeover an extended period of time at a dosage level of, for example, up toabout 25 mg/kg.

As noted earlier, the invention also extends to a method of inhibitingthe discoloration of teeth resulting from nonenzymatic browning in theoral cavity which comprises administration to a subject in need of suchtherapy an amount effective to inhibit the formation of advancedglycosylation endproducts of a composition comprising an agent ofstructural Formula I.

The nonenzymatic browning reaction which occurs in the oral cavityresults in the discoloration of teeth. Presently used anti-plaque agentsaccelerate this nonenzymatic browning reaction and further the stainingof the teeth. Recently, a class of cationic anti-microbial agents withremarkable anti-plaque properties have been formulated in oral rinsesfor regular use to kill bacteria in the mouth. These agents, thecationic antiseptics, include such agents as alexidine, cetyl pyridiniumchloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, hexetidine, and benzalkoniumchloride.

Tooth staining by chlorhexidine and other anti-plaque agents apparentlyresults from the enhancement of the Maillard reaction. Nordbo, J. Dent.Res., 58, p. 1429 (1979) reported that chlorhexidine and benzalkoniumchloride catalyze browning reactions in vitro. Chlorhexidine added tomixtures containing a sugar derivative and a source of amino groupsunderwent increased color formation, attributed to the Maillardreaction. It is also known that use of chlorhexidine results in anincreased dental pellicle. Nordbo proposed that chlorhexidine resultedin tooth staining in two ways: first, by increasing formation ofpellicle which contains more amino groups, and secondly, by catalysis ofthe Maillard reaction leading to colored products.

In accordance with this method, the compounds of Formula I areformulated into compositions adapted for use in the oral cavity.Particularly suitable formulations are oral rinses and toothpastesincorporating the active agent.

In the practice of this invention, conventional formulating techniquesare utilized with nontoxic, pharmaceutically acceptable carrierstypically utilized in the amounts and combinations that are well-knownfor the formulation of such oral rinses and toothpastes.

The agent of Formula I is formulated in compositions in an amounteffective to inhibit the formation of advanced glycosylationendproducts. This amount will, of course, vary with the particular agentbeing utilized and the particular dosage form, but typically is in therange of 0.01% to 1.0%, by weight, of the particular formulation.

Additionally, since the agents of the aforesaid method are concentratedin the salivary glands upon oral ingestion or parenteral administration,they can be so administered. This concentration in the salivary glandsresults in their secretion into saliva, the net result being that theyare functionally placed in the oral cavity where they can effect theirdesired method. For such administration, the particular agent can beformulated in any conventional oral or parenteral dosage form. Aparticularly desirable dosage form is the incorporation of the agentinto a vitamin tablet or fluoride tablet so as to maximize patient, andparticularly juvenile patient, compliance.

The compounds encompassed by Formula I are conveniently prepared bychemical syntheses well-known in the art. Certain of the compoundsencompassed by Formula I are well-known compounds readily available fromchemical supply houses and/or preparable by synthetic methodsspecifically published therefor. For instance, the following compoundsare commercially available from Aldrich Chemical Company (Milwaukee,Wisconsin) or Sigma Chemical Company (St. Louis, Missouri):

2-hydrazino-4-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidine;

4,5-diaminopyrimidine;

4-amino-5-aminomethyl-2-methylpyrimidine;

6-(1-piperidino)-2,4-diaminopyrimidine 3-oxide;

3-amino-6-methyl-1,2,4-triazin-5(2H)-one;

4,6-diaminopyrimidine;

4,5,6-triaminopyrimidine;

4,5-diamino-6-hydroxypryimidine;

2,4,5-triamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine;

5,6-diamino-2,4-dihyroxypyrimidine; and

2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine.

Other compounds described in the chemical and patent literature ordirectly preparable by methods described therein and encompassed byFormula I are those such as

4,5-diamino-2-methylpyrimidine;

4,5-diamino-2,6-dimethylpyrimidine;

4,5-diamino-2-hydroxypyrimidine;

4,5-diamino-2-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidine;

2-hydrazinopyrimidine;

3-hydrazino-1,2,4-triazine;

3-hydrazino-5-hydroxy-1,2,4-triazine;

3-hydrazino-3-hydroxy-1,2,4-triazine;

5,6-diamino-3-hydroxy-1,2,4-triazine;

and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid or alkali addition salts.

EXAMPLE I

The following method was used to evaluate the ability of the compoundsof the present invention to inhibit glucose-mediated development offluorescence of bovine serum albumin (BSA), a measure of cross-linking.Compounds were incubated under aseptic conditions at a concentration of1 mM with 400 mM glucose and 100 mg/mL BSA in a 1.5 M sodium phosphatebuffer, pH 7.4.

Samples of the incubation mixture were taken immediately and after 1week incubation at 37° C. for measurement of fluorescence. For each testcompound, control incubations in buffer were made of compound alone (C),compound plus glucose (G+C), and compound plus BSA (B+C). An additionalset of incubations of glucose and BSA (B+G) were prepared as thebaseline controls against which were measured the ability of thecompounds to inhibit. Each incubation was made in triplicate.

Fluorescence (excitation, 370 nm; emission, 440 nm) was measured on eachsample after a 100-fold dilution in distilled water.

The % inhibition of browning of each test compound was calculated asfollows. Each F represents the fluorescence measurement of that sampleafter 1 week incubation less its fluorescence before incubation.##EQU1## where B=BSA, G=glucose, and C=test compound.

Percent inhibition of browning by various test compounds at 1 mM:

    ______________________________________                                         0%      no inhibitor;                                                                 2-hydrazino-4-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidine;                            35.1%    4,5-diaminopyrimidine;                                               47.7%    4-amino-5-aminomethyl-2-methylpyrimidine;                            37.1%    6-(1-piperidino)-2,4-diaminopyrimidine 3-oxide;                               3-amino-6-methyl-1,2,4-triazin-5(2H)-one;                                     4,6-diaminopyrimidine;                                                        4,5,6-triaminopyrimidine;                                                     4,5-diamino-6-hydroxypryimidine;                                              2,4,5-triamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine;                                           5,6-diamino-2,4-dihyroxypyrimidine; and                                       2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine.                                            ______________________________________                                    

The above experiments suggest that this type of drug therapy may havebenefit in reducing the pathology associated with the advancedglycosylation of proteins and the formation of cross-links betweenproteins and other macromolecules. Drug therapy may be used to preventthe increased trapping and cross-linking of proteins that occurs indiabetes and aging which leads to sequelae such as retinal damage, andextra-vascularly, damage to tendons, ligaments and other joints. Thistherapy might retard atherosclerosis and connective tissue changes thatoccur with diabetes and aging. Both topical, oral, and parenteral routesof administration to provide therapy locally and systemically arecontemplated.

EXAMPLE 2

    ______________________________________                                        Tablet            mg/tablet                                                   ______________________________________                                        Compound of Formula I                                                                           50                                                          Starch            50                                                          Mannitol          75                                                          Magnesium stearate                                                                               2                                                          Stearic acid       5                                                          ______________________________________                                    

The compound, a portion of the starch and the lactose are combined andwet granulated with starch paste. The wet granulation is placed on traysand allowed to dry overnight at a temperature of 45° C. The driedgranulation is comminuted in a comminutor to a particle size ofapproximately 20 mesh. Magnesium stearate, stearic acid and the balanceof the starch are added and the entire mix blended prior to compressionon a suitable tablet press. The tablets are compressed at a weight of232 mg. using a 11/32" punch with a hardness of 4 kg. These tablets willdisintegrate within a half hour according to the method described in USPXVI.

EXAMPLE 3

    ______________________________________                                        Lotion               mg/g                                                     ______________________________________                                        Compound of Formula I                                                                              1.0                                                      Ethyl alcohol        400.0                                                    Polyethylene glycol 400                                                                            300.0                                                    Hydroxypropyl cellulose                                                                            5.0                                                      Propylene glycol     to make 1.0                                                                             g                                              ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 4

    ______________________________________                                        Oral Rinse                                                                    ______________________________________                                        Compound of Formula I:                                                                           1.4%                                                       Chlorhexidine gluconate                                                                          0.12%                                                      Ethanol            11.6%                                                      Sodium saccharin   0.15%                                                      FD&C Blue No. 1    0.001%                                                     Peppermint Oil     0.5%                                                       Glycerine          10.0%                                                      Tween 60           0.3%                                                       Water to           100%                                                       ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 5

    ______________________________________                                        Toothpaste                                                                    ______________________________________                                        Compound of Formula I: 5.5%                                                   Sorbitol, 70% in water 25%                                                    Sodium saccharin       0.15%                                                  Sodium lauryl sulfate  1.75%                                                  Carbopol 934, 6% dispersion in water                                                                 15%                                                    Oil of Spearmint       1.0%                                                   Sodium hydroxide, 50% in water                                                                       0.76%                                                  Dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate                                                                  45%                                                    Water to               100%                                                   ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 6

To further study the ability of inhibitors of nonenzymatic browning toprevent the discoloration of protein on a surface, such as that whichoccurs on the tooth surface, the following surface browning experimentis performed. As a substitute for a pellicle-covered tooth surface,unexposed and developed photographic paper is used to provide a fixedprotein (gelatin, i.e., collagen) surface on a paper backing. Fivemillimeter circles are punched and immersed for one week at 50° C. in asolution of 100 mM glucose-6-phosphate in a 0.5 M phosphate buffer, pH7.4, containing 3 mM sodium azide. Glucose-6-phosphate is a sugarcapable of participating in nonenzymatic browning at a more rapid ratethan glucose. In addition to the glucose-6-phosphate, chlorhexidineand/or a compound of Formula I are included. After incubation, thegelatin/paper disks are rinsed with water, observed for brown color, andphotographed.

Incubation of the disks in glucose-6-phosphate alone shows slight browncolor versus disks soaked in buffer alone. Inclusion of chlorhexidine(in the form of Peridex® at a final concentration of 0.04%chlorhexidine) shows significant browning. Addition of a compound ofFormula I to the chlorhexidine completely inhibits browning of thegelatin, as does inclusion of a compound of Formula I in the absence ofchlorhexidine.

The slight brown color formed by the action of glucose-6-phosphate onthe gelatin surface alone and its prevention by a compound of Formula Idemonstrates the utility of the present invention in preventingnonenzymatic browning of tooth surfaces. The enhanced browning in thepresence of chlorhexidine and its prevention with a compound of FormulaI demonstrates the utility of the present invention in preventing theanti-plaque agent-enhanced nonenzymatic browning which occurs withchlorhexidine.

This invention may be embodied in other forms or carried out in otherways without departing from the spirit or essential characteristicsthereof. The present disclosure is therefore to be considered as in allrespects illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the inventionbeing indicated by the appended Claims, and all changes which comewithin the meaning and range of equivalency are intended to be embracedtherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for inhibiting the advancedglycosylation of a target protein comprising contacting the targetprotein with an effective amount of composition comprising a compoundselected from the group consisting of a compound of the formula ##STR3##where Z is CH--;X, Y and Q are each independently a hydrogen, amino,amino lower alkyl, lower alkyl or hydroxy group; and R is hydrogen; andtheir corresponding 3-oxides; and a biocompatible and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, and a mixture thereof, and a carrier therefor.2. A method for treating an animal to inhibit the formation of advancedglycosylation endproducts of a target protein within said animal, saidmethod comprising administering to an animal in need of such therapy aneffective amount of a pharmaceutical composition, said pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting ofa compound of the formula ##STR4## wherein Z is CH--;X, Y and Q are eachindependently a hydrogen, amino, amino lower alkyl, lower alkyl orhydroxy group; and R is hydrogen; and their corresponding 3-oxides; anda biocompatible and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and amixture thereof, and a carrier therefor.
 3. The method of claim 2wherein said compound has the formula wherein R is hydrogen, Z is a CHgroup and one of X or Y is an amino group.
 4. The method of claim 2wherein said compound is 4,5-diaminopyrimidine.
 5. The method of claim 2wherein said compound has the formula wherein R is hydrogen, Z is a CHgroup and one of X or Y is an amino lower alkyl group.
 6. The method ofclaim 2 wherein said compound is4-amino-5-aminomethyl-2-methylpyrimidine.